Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breeds

Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breeds

Unsurprisingly, Miniature Schnauzers look like small versions of the Standard Schnauzer. Generally, they are a mix of gray/black/white and have a docked tail. The Schnauzers can be very angular with a lot of their features having square angles and lines.

While the Standard Schnauzer was bred to be an all-purpose work dog, the miniature version had a more specific job. The Miniature Schnauzers main purpose was specifically to go after rats. It’s important to remember that rats have been far more prevalent in the past when they didn’t have potential poisons or traps. Miniature Schnauzers and some cats made for an effective defense against the rodents.

Ownership Considerations

Unsurprisingly, Miniature Schnauzers look like small versions of the Standard Schnauzer. Generally, they are a mix of gray/black/white and have a docked tail. The Schnauzers can be very angular with a lot of their features having square angles and lines.

While the Standard Schnauzer was bred to be an all-purpose work dog, the miniature version had a more specific job. The Miniature Schnauzers main purpose was specifically to go after rats. It’s important to remember that rats have been far more prevalent in the past when they didn’t have potential poisons or traps. Miniature Schnauzers and some cats made for an effective defense against the rodents.

Miniature Schnauzers are one of the very best for poor training owners. They have an excellent natural disposition without a much aggression or timidity. It’s the kind of perfect balance that a lot of dog owners are looking for through training, and most Miniature Schnauzers are that way through natural instinct. They’re affectionate and loving with their family and are pretty great with strangers once their owner has made some sort of overture to them.

However, Miniature Schnauzers are quite energetic and need appropriate outlets to keep them going. If they are not getting enough exercise and are not getting enough mental stimulation, then the Schnauzer is likely to act out and have their own fun.

Miniature Schnauzers are not great with animals smaller than themselves. While not too bad with bigger dogs, it’s cats and small pets like birds that can cause issues. They have hunting instincts and can go after the pets in question. If the Schnauzer is raised with cats who put the dog in its place it can be better, otherwise, it’s going to need a lot of training to stop these natural instincts. It may simply be a better situation to just not have those kinds of pets.